Reborn as Issei Hyoudou: The Phat to Supremacy

The events of the previous night sent ripples across the supernatural world. Kokabiel's defeat was a warning, not just to the Fallen Angels, but to anyone who might think of challenging Kuoh.

And yet, despite the victory, the atmosphere in the Occult Research Club was anything but celebratory.

[Occult Research Club – The Aftermath]

Rias paced back and forth in the clubroom, her crimson hair flowing behind her like fire.

"You should have killed him," she said, her voice sharp.

I leaned back on the couch, arms crossed, a faint smirk on my face. "If I'd killed him, we'd have a bigger war on our hands. Letting him go was the smarter move."

"Smarter?" Rias stopped, glaring at me. "Kokabiel is a war criminal, Issei. Sparing him sends the wrong message."

I shrugged. "I sent a message, alright. He knows what I can do. That's worth more than his life."

Akeno giggled from her spot near the desk. "Ara~ ara~ You do have a way of making things complicated, Issei-kun."

Kiba frowned, leaning against the wall. "What if he comes back? What if this just makes him angrier?"

"Let him," I said, my tone even. "Next time, he won't walk away."

Koneko muttered under her breath, "Dangerous."

Rias sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're reckless, Issei. But…" She glanced at me, her expression softening. "You're right. You've bought us time, at least."

I smiled. "See? Told you I know what I'm doing."

Rias rolled her eyes but didn't argue further.

[Asia's Training – Twilight Healing Awakens]

Later that day, I found Asia in the training grounds, her hands glowing with the soft golden light of Twilight Healing.

She was practicing on a wounded bird, her green eyes filled with determination as she channeled her Sacred Gear.

The bird's wing mended before my eyes, and Asia smiled, cradling it gently before letting it fly away.

"You're getting better," I said, stepping forward.

She turned, her cheeks pink. "Th-Thank you. I've been practicing a lot."

"Good," I said, crossing my arms. "But healing isn't all your Sacred Gear can do."

She blinked, tilting her head. "What do you mean?"

I crouched down in front of her, meeting her gaze. "Twilight Healing isn't just about fixing wounds. If you push it further, you can do a lot more. You can enhance people, boost their strength, even cleanse curses. It's not just a tool—it's a weapon."

Her eyes widened. "A… weapon?"

I nodded. "Think of it this way. You're not just healing your allies—you're giving them the edge they need to win."

Asia bit her lip, looking down at her hands. "I don't know if I can…"

"You can," I said firmly. "You've already come this far. You just need to believe in yourself."

She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll try."

[Raynare's Transformation]

Raynare was waiting for me near the edge of the forest, her arms crossed, her expression guarded as always.

"You've been busy," she said, watching as I approached.

I smirked. "So have you."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't patronize me."

"Not patronizing," I said. "Just noticing. You're stronger than you were a week ago."

Raynare tensed, her wings twitching slightly. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

"You always have a choice," I said, my tone serious. "You can walk away anytime."

Her gaze hardened. "If I walk away, I'm dead. Azazel won't forgive me for switching sides."

"Then stop worrying about him," I said. "You're not under his control anymore."

She didn't respond, but I could see the conflict in her eyes.

"One day, you're going to have to make a decision," I said. "Not because of fear, but because of what you want."

Raynare scoffed, looking away. "You sound like an idiot."

I laughed. "Yeah, maybe."

[Elsewhere – Azazel's Next Move]

In a dimly lit room, Azazel stood before a table covered in maps and reports.

"The Sekiryuutei is growing stronger," he murmured, his golden eyes scanning the papers. "And Raynare… she's changing."

A shadowed figure stepped forward. "Do you want us to act?"

Azazel smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Not yet. Let's see how far this dragon can go."

"But Kokabiel—"

"Kokabiel's failure was expected," Azazel interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "He's reckless, a relic of the past. This new Sekiryuutei, though… he's something different."

The figure hesitated. "What's our next move?"

Azazel's smirk widened.

"Send a message."

[The Message – Occult Research Club]

That evening, the Occult Research Club was quiet as we gathered in the clubroom.

Rias was going over reports when the door opened, and a black-winged figure stepped inside.

Raynare immediately tensed, her hand moving toward her weapon.

"Relax," I said, stepping forward. "He's not here to fight."

The Fallen Angel was tall and imposing, his face calm but his eyes sharp.

"I bring a message," he said, his voice echoing through the room.

Rias frowned, standing. "From who?"

"Azazel," the man said simply.

Everyone froze.

The air grew heavy as the man continued.

"Azazel is willing to negotiate. But he has one condition."

Rias narrowed her eyes. "And what's that?"

The man's gaze shifted to me.

"He wants to meet the Sekiryuutei. Alone."

Give or give yourself a subscription that will make your heart beat. Don't miss this opportunity! Sign up now and share love with us. 💖

Advance 30 chapters only for ✨1.99

Offer valid for a limited time only. Happy Valentine's Day!

http://ko-fi.com/abrahansmith1b